Loyalist link to murder examined

Ronald Mackie, 36, was from near Stirling in Scotland

Detectives are investigating a possible loyalist link to the murder of a man in County Londonderry at the weekend.

Five people have been arrested over the murder of Ronald Mackie, 36, who was from near Stirling in Scotland.

Mr Mackie had watched a band parade in Maghera on Friday evening. He then went to Tobermore Football club.

He was attacked in the early hours of Saturday by a gang of men outside the club before being pushed onto the road, where he was then struck by a car.

Police initially thought they were dealing with a hit-and-run incident.

'Kicked and punched'

The attack, which happened on the Maghera Road about half a mile from the Glenshane Pass between 0145 and 0215 BST, was not believed to have been sectarian.

"We think that there was a verbal altercation in the club and the deceased, Mr Mackie, was involved in that," Detective Superintendent Raymond Murray said.

"As a result himself and two of his friends made their way out onto the main Maghera Road and started walking in the direction of Maghera.

"We think that a group of people then assaulted Mr Mackie, that the assault started at the side of the road but continued onto the road and he was kicked and punched.

"We then think he was left on the road and he was struck by a car which was coming from the direction of Tobermore."

Mr Mackie had been in a football club before he was attacked

He said the car carried the victim for "some distance" before stopping for a few seconds. The driver did not get out before driving off in the direction of Maghera.

Mr Murray said while the driver of the car may be "frightened and very apprehensive", it was essential for him to contact the police.

Specialist police teams spent much of Sunday carrying out searches near the football club.

Officers have also searched surrounding fields for clues. The police said they believed the car involved in the incident was red in colour.